Matrix and distributing apparatus eoe



A. BECKER. MATRIX AND DISTRIBUTING APPARATUS FOR TYPE CASTING MACHINES. APPLICATION FILED APR-23.1321.

1,422,333, Patented July II, 1922.

" IIIII -IIIIIIIW INVE2TOR UNIT r Y ADOLPI-I BECKER, OF W'I-IEELING, NEST VIRGINIA.

Application filed April 23, 1921.

T 0 all to 710m it may concern: Be it known that I, Anonrri BECKER, a citizen of the United States, and resident of lVheeling. in the county of ()hio and State of est irginia, have invented a new and useful Improvement in lilatrices and Distributing Apparatus for Type-Casting Machines; and I do hereby declare the following to bc a full, clear, and exact description thereof.

My invention relates to type-casting machines of the kind in Which character matrices are assembled for molding each type bar and are thereafter elevated and distrib uted to the matrix magazines.

The general object of my invention is to elevate the matrices and deliver them to the distributor bar without making use of the combination teeth which control the delivery of the matrices to the magazine channels, thus preventing the teeth from becoming damaged.

Another object of my invention is to provide an improved matrix construction whereby the matrix is held during eleva ing and delivery to the distributor bar by means other than the distributing teeth.

A further object of my invention is to provide an improved construction for the second elevator bar and the distributor box bar, ,whereby these parts cooperate properly with my improved matrices.

In the accompanying drawing, Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a second-elevator'head having a matrix-carrying bar constructed in accordance with my invention, and showing a set of matrices suspended from the bar; Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the elevator head shown in Fig. 1 when the elevator is in its upper position, this figure also showing the distributor box bar and the end of the distributor bar; Fig. 3 is a side elevation, partly in section along the line 3-3, Fig. 2, showing the manner in which the matrices are held on the elevator bar; Fig. 4 is an end elevational view of the distributor box bar, this construction being common to the elevator bar, the distributor box bar, and the front end of the distributor bar; Fig. 5 is a side elevation of a matrix constructed in accordance with my invention; and Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of the upper end of a spaceband adapted for use with my improved matrices.

In linotype machines and other type-cast ing machines of the same general nature, the

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 11, 192?.

Serial No. 463,867.

elevator bar and the distributor box bar are both provided on their ronverging under sides with grooves which support the matrices by engaging the teeth formed on the V-shaped notch in the top of each matrix, these same teeth being employed for distributing the matrices into the magazine channels and being for this purpose arranged in definite combinations. In the operation of the machine the grooves on the elevator bar become worn and bur-red by striking against the spacebands when the second elevator lowers to pick up the matrices, and the grooves on the elevator bar and the distrib utor box bar may also be slightly out of alignment at the time when the matrices are pushed from the elevator bar upon the distributor box bar. Any such distortion or unevenness in the grooves catches the teeth of the matrices they are pushed along the grooves, and thus quickly wears out some of the teeth, with the result that the matrices will not distribute properly, but fall off the distributor bar either too soon or too late, and so are distributed into the wrong channels, or may even jam the machine. The expense of replacing worn matrices is probably the largest single item of expense in machines of this kind.

According to my present invention, the combination teeth on the matrices are not used for handling the matrices at any time while the matrices are being -aised by the second elevator, pushed through the distributor box, or lifted upon the distributor, and therefore the life of the matrices is extended indefinitely. I accomplish this result by providing at the bottom of the V- notch of each matrix an opening having a restricted connection with the V-notch, and by providing the elevator bar and the distributor box bar with beaded supporting strips shaped to conform to the openings in the matrices. The end of the distributor bar itself is also preferably provided with a short section similar to the distributor box bar. The matrices are thus suspended from the lugs formed by the upper portions of these openings at all times while the matrices are being elevated and transferred to the distributor bar. lVhen the matrices are upon the distributor bar the advancing screws carry them-on to the ordinary distributing grooves and the combination teeth here come'into play for the first time. These teeth are in contact with the distributor bar for a few moments only, so that the wear of the teeth is reduced to a minimum. Other advantages of my invention having to do with the collection of special-character matrices and the proper lifting of the matrices from the distributor box to the distributor bar will appear as the description proceeds.

In the accompanying drawing the m1- meral 2 designates the second-elevator head of an ordinary limotype machine. This elevator head may be of any usual or desired construction, except for the bar 3 from which the matrices 4 are suspended. This bar, as best shown in Figs 3 and 4, has downwardly converging smooth undersides 5, below which is a thin. strip 6 having an enlarged bead 7 formed on its lower edge. The strip 6' may be formed. integral with the bar 3, or may, as shown, be inserted in a slot formed in the lower edge of the bar.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 5' each, matrix 4 is of ordinary construction, except thatit has an on 10 communicating with the toothed V-notch 11 by means ot a restricted channel 12. The opening 16) and the channel 12 are of such size and shape that they fit the head 7 and the strip 6 in the manner shown in Fig. 3. The converging sides 5 of the bar 3 are formed at such an angle that a clearance space 13 is provided between the teeth 14 and the sides 5 of the bar. It will thus be seen that when the matrices are sliid upon the bar 3 they are held suspended by th engagement of the bead 7 inthe openings .10 of the matrices. As shown, the head 7 and. the opening 10 are circular, and while this is the preferable form, these parts may of course be made in any other desired shape, so long as they fit properly together.

Fig. 2 shows the elevator head 2 in its 11 per position in. which it registers with the distributor box bar 20, the otherparts of the distributor box beingomitted for the sake of clca-rness. The distributor box'bar 20 is of the same cross-sectional form as the elevator bar 3, and has a bead 7 along its lower edge corresponding to the head 7 on the elevator bar 3 It will thus be evident that when the matrices 3 are raised by the elevator into the position shown on Fig. 2 and are then pushed to the right by the usual pusher, they will slide upon the bar 20, as showm at 4!, each mmtrix being still carried upon the head I and the combination teeth 14 being still untouched. Even if there should be a slight unevenness at the joint between the elevator bar and the distributor box. bar, the onl dmmage to the matrices that can result will be a slight flattening at the edges of the openings 10, which will do no great harm.

At the right of Fig. 2 is shown the end of the distributor bar 21, having the usual grooves 22 terminating, as usual, some distance short of the front end of the distributor bar. I prefer that this ungrooved front end of the distributor bar 21 be provided with a bead 7" similar in cross section to the beads 7 and 7 on the elevator bar and on the distributor box bar. The purpose of this bead 7 b is to support the matrices after they are lifted by the usual lifting finger, not shown, from. the distributor box bar to the distributor bar, so that each matrix is started properly upon the distributor bar before the combination teeth 14 come into contact with the distributing grooves 22.

Fig. 6 shows a spa'ceband 25 adapted for use with the martices of my invention. This spaceband is oi ordinary construction, except that it has a central notch 27 at least as large as the openings 10 in the matrices, so that the matrices may be lifted away from the spacebands by the second elevator with. out interfering in any way with the spacebands 6.

In the operation of the machine, the matrices and spacebands are assembled in the usual manner, and after the type bar is cast the matrices and spacebands are raised by the first elevator and are slid upon the second elevator bar 8, the matrices being supported entirely by the bead 7 as shown. in Fig. 3. .The second elevator then rises, lifting the matrices away from the spacebands and bringing them into the position shown in Fig. 2 whereupon the pusher transfers the matrices from the elevator bar 3 to the elevator box bar 20 and thence into position to be raised. by the lifter, not shown, to the level of the distributor bar 21, where the usual advancing screws, which are also omitted from the drawing for the sake ofi clearness, take hold of each matrix and carry it alon the distributor bar 21. In the first portion of its travel along the distributor bar, the matrix is still supported by its center opening 10 which travels on the short bead 7 and by the time that the combination teeth 14 reach the grooves 22 the matrix is in proper position and the teeth pass smoothly into the grooves. Thereafter the matrices drop from the distributor into the magazine channels as usual.

My invention has numerous advantages, among which are the saving of trouble andexpense in renewing matrices, and also in renewing elevator bars and distributor box bars. The elevator bars, in particular, become quickly worn out in ordinary nuichines and must constantly be i'e )luced.

My invention increases production by saving numerous distributor stops and; will eliminate to a certain extent the dropping of matrices into the wrong channel, thereby saving the resetting of many type bars having typographical errors due to improper distribution of matrices.

In addition to these advantages, my invention makes it possible to handle space matrices, special-character matrices, and damaged matrices more conveniently than can be done with ordinary machines. The space matrices, instead of dropping into a pi-box when the character matrices are elevated, may be provided with openings 10 similar to those in the matrices and will then be elevated along with the character matrices and may be distributed intothe first channel in the magazine, which channel is ordinarily left vacant. The space matrices have no combination teeth and will drop of? the distributor bar as soon as they I reach the end of the short bead 7 on the bar 21. In the sameway, damaged matrices may also be received in the first channel. Extra characters may also be recovered in the first channel instead of being carried to the end of the machine, in which case one or more pi-stacker boxes may be arranged at the bottom of the first channel of the magazine, the channel being provided with a universal gate for directing the space matrices and special-character matrices into the proper stacker boxes.

Another -modification made possible by my invention consists in adding to the right end of the ordinary distributor bar a section having the form shown in Fig. 4, so

that sorts and matrices having special characters may be caused .to travel the full length of the distributor bar, as is now customary, and instead of falling into the usual sorts-stacker channel may be carried on upon the beaded extension for any suitable distance and may then be distributed into stacker boxes arranged conveniently below this point. Some amount of dis-! tribution can here be produced by modifying the shape of the openings 10 in the sorts and special-character matrices, so that after passing the full length of the distributor bar these matrices may be distributed into separate channels or separate pi-boxes.

It will also be observed that my improved elevator bar and distributor box bar may be applied to any ordinary type-casting machine without any change, except in the matrices used. Also, my improved elevator bar may be used in conjunction with an oldstyle distributor box bar, or my improved distributor box bar may be used with an old-style elevator bar, although the best results are produced by having both the elevator bar and the distributor bar constructed in the manner here shown. When my improved elevator bar is used with an oldstyle distributor box bar it is only necessary to smooth off the end of the distributor box bar so as to lit the elevator bar.

In the claims the expression transfer member is intended to include a second elevator bar, a distributor box bar, or a dis tributor bar.

While I have shown and described herein the form in which I prefer at present to employ my invention, it will be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the principles of my invention, the scope of which is indicated in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a type-casting machine, the combination with a set of matrices each having a V-shaped notch, and having an opening adjacent to the said notch and communicating therewith by a restricted channel, of a transfer member having a beaded strip adapted to enter the said openings and to suspend the said matrices during transfer without engaging the sides of said V- notches.

2. In a type-casting machine, the combination with a set of character matrices, each having a V-shaped notch and having combination teeth formed on the sides of said notch and also having an opening adjacent to the angle of said notch and communicating therewith by a restricted channel, ofa trans fer member having a beaded strip adapted to enter said openings and to suspend the said matrices during transfer without engaging the said combination teeth.

8. In a type-casting machine, the combination with a set of matrices each having a V-shaped notch, and having a circular opening adjacent to the angle of the said notch and communicating therewith by a restricted channel of a transfer member having a matrix-suspending strip provided with a bead adapted to enter the said openings in the said matrices, the said transfer member being adapted to enter said V notches without engaging the sides thereof.

4. A matrix for type-casting machines having a V-shaped notch and a circular opening adjacent to the angle of the said notch and communicating therewith through a restricted channel.

5. A transfer bar for handling V-notched matrices in type-casting machines comprising a bar having sides, converging downwardly at an angle less than the angle of the \Lnotches in said matrices, a strip extending lengthwise of the said bar at the angle between the said converging sides, and a matrix-suspending bead on the outer edge of the said strip.

6. A transfer bar for handling V-notched matrices in type-casting machines, having sides, converging downwardly at an angleless than the angle of the V-notches in said matrices, a strip of thin sheet metal extending lengthwise of the said bar at the angle between the said converging sides, and a matrix-supporting bead of substantially circular section formed on the outer edge of the said strip.

7. In a type-casting machine, the combination of a set of matrices, each having a V- shaped notchland a. suspending opening adjacent to the said notch, an elevator bar and a distributor box bar adapted to register with the said elevator bar when the said elevator bar '5 in its upper position, the said elevator bar and distributor box bar being provided with means for passing through the said openi in the said matrices and for thereby suspen ing the said: matriees independently of their combination teeth.

8. In a type-casting machine, the combination of a set of matrices, each having a V- shaped notch and a. suspending opening communicating with the said. notch, an elevoter bar and a distributor box bar adapted to rer with the said elevator bar when the said elevator bar is in its upper posh tion, the said elevator bar and distributor box bar provided with downwardly extending strips having matrix-supporting beads adopted to enter said openings in saiel matrices and to thereby support said matrices independently of their combination teeth.

9. In a type-casting machine, the combination of a set of matrices, eachhaving a V- shaped notch and a suspending opening adjacent to said notch and communicating therewith through a restricted channel, a. second-elevator head provided with amatrixsupporting bar having downwardly convergimg sides, a strip extending lengthwise of the said bar and provided with a matrix-supportimg bead adapted; to enter the openings in the said matrices, a diwributor box bar registerelevator is in its upper position, the said distributor box bur being of substantially the same construction as the sand elevator bar, and a distributor bar having one and adjacent to the said distributor hon bar, the said end of the said distributor bar having a short section formed: to support the said matrices by the said openings while the said matrices are beginning their advmoe along the said distributor bar.

10. In a type cmting machine, the combinntionoi a setofmatnees,enehltavinga V- shaped notch and! a suspending opening adjacent to said notch and communicating therewith through a restricted channet, a second-domain head pmviadod a matrixsupporting r lmving down y conv ing sides, a strip extending lengthwise d sand bar and pro with a matrix-supporting boa-d adapted to enter the said openings in the said matrices, a distributor bow bar register with the said elevator bar when the said e evator is in its upper position, the said distributor box bar being of submn tinlly the some construction as the said elsvator bar, and a distributor be: having both of its ends provided with matrix-supporting beads similar to those on the said elevator bar and the said distzibutorbox bar, and having the usual ting grooves on the remainder of its'length.

In testimony whereof, I the said Am Bnonnn have hereunto: set my hand.

ADQLPH BECKER.

Witnesses:

WILLIAM H.v J. W. K1. 

